An Iranian MP has spoken out in support of his colleague’s allegations that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) interfered in the recent parliamentary elections.
The original allegations, made by conservative MP Ali Motahari, drew severe criticism from a number of MPs; however, MP Mostafa Kavakebian has now backed Motahari’s assertions.
The Fars News Agency reports that Semnan representative Mostafa Kavakebain, another conservative MP, told Parliament on Tuesday that he has certain evidence regarding the IRGC’s interference in the elections. He called for a probe into the evidence.
According to Islamic Republic law, the IRGC should not get involved in politics or the election process. The statements by Motahari, a Tehran MP, drew fire from the IRGC, which immediately rejected the accusation and warned that it may choose to prosecute its accuser.
Kavakebian said in Parliament today: “I am happy that IRGC officials have denied any involvement, but I propose that a committee be established in order to probe the issue. They should especially probe my riding so that I can offer them the evidence I have in my possession.”
Two MPs have challenged the accusations against the IRGC and slammed Motahari for using Parliament as a platform to attack the IRGC.
But Motahari has refused to back down. He insists that the IRGC backed its preferred candidates in the March parliamentary elections.
Motahari has been quoted as saying: “A representative can express an opinion about any issue concerning the country, and no institution should be exempted from criticism and turned into a sanctity.”
